Young children go through many emotional and behavioral changes as they grow. Tantrums, fears, shyness, and mood swings can all be a normal part of development. But sometimes, certain behaviors may be signs of a behavioral health condition that needs extra attention and support.
Parents and caregivers often know when something does not feel quite right. Trusting your instincts and talking with a pediatrician or advanced practice clinician (APC) can help your child get the right evaluation, guidance, and treatment if needed. "Seeking support early does not mean something is wrong — it means you're taking an active role in your child's health and well-being.," says Mitchell T. Walton, MD, Pediatrics at ARC Four Points in Austin. "Early evaluation and guidance can help identify concerns sooner, connect families with appropriate resources, and support a child's growth, learning, relationships, and overall quality of life."
What are behavioral health conditions?
Behavioral health conditions affect the way a child thinks, feels, behaves, or interacts with others. These conditions can impact emotional, psychological, cognitive, social, and academic functioning.
When diagnosed and managed early, children can benefit from the positive traits related to some of these conditions such as unusual creativity, hyperfocus, high energy, strong moral compass, confident independence, and resilience.
Some common behavioral health conditions seen in children include
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
Children with medical conditions such as cerebral palsy may also experience behavioral or emotional challenges that affect daily life.
"Families should know that behavioral health conditions are not caused by ‘bad parenting'," says Dr. Walton. "Many factors can play a role, including genetics, environment, stress, medical conditions, and social stress at home or school."
Common signs of behavioral health conditions in children
Every child is different, but certain behaviors may signal possible concerns. Signs can appear at home, in school, or during social activities.
Some common signs include:
- Frequent sadness, irritability, or signs of depression
- Excessive worry, fear, or separation anxiety
- Trouble paying attention or ongoing inattention
- High levels of hyperactivity or constant movement
- Acting without thinking, also known as impulsivity
- Aggressive behavior or frequent temper outbursts
- Difficulty making friends or interacting with others
- Delays in speech, communication, or social development
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
- Declining school or academic performance
- Trouble following directions or rules
- Repetitive behaviors or sensory sensitivities, which may be seen in autism spectrum disorder
Young children may not have the words to explain their feelings. Instead, emotional struggles may show up through behavior changes, clinginess, sleep problems, or physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches.
Could your child benefit from behavioral health support?
If behavioral or emotional challenges are affecting your child's daily life, it may be time to speak with your pediatrician. An early evaluation can help identify the cause of symptoms and guide the next steps for management and care.
Behavioral health support may include counseling, family education, school-based services, or referral to an ARC Pediatric Behavioral Health specialist.
"Early support can make a big difference," says ARC Pediatric Behavioral Health specialist Sarah A. Givner, MD, MPH, Pediatrics at ARC Far West in Austin. "The childhood years are a time of tremendous growth and brain development. Identifying concerns sooner rather than later allows children to develop healthy coping skills, build resilience, and benefit from the guidance and resources that help them thrive."
Learn more about ARC Pediatric Behavioral Health and local mental health resources.
About ARC Pediatrics
At ARC Pediatrics, our pediatricians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs) treat all issues affecting infants, children, and adolescents. The ARC pediatric behavioral health team works closely with your child's primary care physician or APC to help keep your child's entire healthcare team informed. ARC pediatricians and APCs also work with other medical specialists and healthcare professionals to provide for the health and emotional needs of our patients.
For more specialized care, ARC specialists in allergy and asthma, audiology, dermatology, ENT (ear, nose & throat), orthopedics, podiatry, and sports and musculoskeletal medicine care for infants and children of various ages. Pediatric and specialty care teams work closely with each other and with our families to coordinate care. Together, we emphasize prevention, evidence-based treatment, and building long-term relationships.
New to ARC? Sign up for an ARC Pediatric Meet & Greet to help you choose the physician or APC who will partner with you and support the growth and development of your child.
Call today to schedule an appointment
Dr. Walton is accepting new patients ages 18 and under. To make an appointment with Dr. Walton, call 512-272-4636 (512-ARC-INFO), book online, or in ARC MyChart.